ShowMe Witbank interviews Barry Hilton

ShowMe Witbank recently had the opportunity to Interview Barry Hilton ahead of his Witbank Show ‘Barry Hilton Live’ scheduled to take place on 27 June 2015.

This is how he responded:

Are you excited to be coming to Witbank? What was your first impression versus reality the first time you arrived?

I’m very excited to be coming to perform in Witbank. I love my job and the places it takes me.  Witbank has always given me a really warm welcome and been a great audience.

Do you find that there is a difference in jokes you tell to a smaller city than a bigger one? Or do you have different jokes for different groups of people?

I tell stories about anything and everything that pops into my head.  Essentially, people everywhere, regardless of where they live, enjoy a good laugh and can relate to the stories and jokes I tell.  I work all over the world and have fine-tuned my show to work anywhere.

What is your impression of stand-up comedy in South Africa?

The standard is growing exponentially, it’s exciting stuff.  South African comedians are working on world stages and making our country proud.

Do you travel overseas a lot for work?

Absolutley.  I’ve worked on every continent except Antarctica.  Working to audiences around the world is a dream come true for me and I’ll never stop living my dream.  In September I’ll be performing at the Kuala Lumpur International Comedy Festival.

What is your favourite quality about being a stand-up comedian?

Being able to communicate with anybody and get them laughing.

Do you have jokes in digital / book format for people to buy?

I’ve released six DVDs (available at www.mycousin.co.za) and the newest one will be released shortly.  I also have a youtube channel for folks to enjoy.

Can you tell us a little about where “My Cousin” came from?

I could never, and still can’t, remember peoples names and so I started calling people My Cousin and it’s stuck.

Do you feel you have changed or transformed the idea of the stand-up comedian over the years?

Comedy does change and I’ve changed along with the times.  Initially it was just jokes that were told and it’s evolved to story telling now and pure observations of life.

Do you like meeting your fans, whether at a show or in town? Are you easily recognized?

I love interacting with my fans, it is them after all who have made me famous.  I always stop to greet fans and have photos taken or to give autographs.  I’m very easily recognized and I count it as a great honor.

Do you like to share the stage with anyone? If so, who?

I generally work on my own in one-man or solo shows.  Occasionally I have an opening act, most recently it was Glen Biederman Pam and Schalk Bezuidenhout – funny guys.

Are there any comedians you are following at the moment?

Not really, I prefer my own style and veer away from politics or controversial material.

What was the worst event you were ever asked to performed at?

It was at a working mens club in Luton England in the 80s.  The people weren’t interested in me at all, a fight broke out between two women and before you knew it the whole club was in uproar.

What was the best event you have even been a part of?

Performing my solo show at the Grand West Arena for the third time to a capacity audience of 4500 people. Negotiating to work a solo show in Johannesburg for 5200 people in August.  It’s going to be killer.

Can you see yourself retiring? If so, will it be in South Africa?

I’ll never retire.  I love my job too much.

Will you have merchandise for sale on Saturday?

Nope, but all my stuff can be bought at www.mycousin.co.za with delivery options worldwide.

Any final words?

I think I’m going to die, call the priest.

Saturday’s Show will surely be a Show not to miss.

More details on the event and to get your tickets now: Barry Hilton Live at The Ridge